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Graduation and Retention Network

About Us

Our Vision

The First-Generation Center (FGC) will serve as a centralized hub to support the first-generation community — personally, professionally, and academically. FGC is an inclusive community that equips every first-generation student with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to excel in their journey within and beyond USC. Through collaborative partnerships, personalized support, and innovative programming, we will build a culture of resilience, belonging, and achievement ensuring all first-generation students reach their full potential and make a positive impact in their communities.

Our Mission

The mission of the FGC is to connect first-generation students with resources to successfully navigate their progress towards graduation, and to recognize the value and unique strengths they bring to USC and the community at large. The FGC promotes student support and advocacy, comprehensive programming, mentorship initiatives, connections to campus partners and resources, and a culture of scholarship and research.

 

Meet Our Team

LaNae' Budden pic

LaNae' Budden, Director, First-Gen Center

Dr. Budden is responsible for leading the First-Generation Center and connecting first-generation students with resources to successfully navigate their progress towards graduation.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Old Dominion University, a master’s degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. With over 20 years of experience in higher education in various administrative and executive leadership roles, Dr. Budden is most looking forward to creating another level of support for first-gen students to help them make the most of their Carolina experience.

briggsr@mailbox.sc.edu 

Melissa Kupfer image

Melissa Kupfer, Assistant Director, First-Gen Center

Melissa supports the development of students’ academic and personal goals by providing opportunities for student engagement within the University community.

She earned her B.S. in Human Development and Learning (K-8) from the University of Memphis and her M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina. Melissa joined USC in 2005 and has held a variety of student support roles during her employment. As a first-gen student herself she is invested in helping other first-gen students be successful in college and achieve their educational goals.

kupferm@email.sc.edu 

 

First-Gen Center Committees

  • Jessica Allison
  • Lara Lomicka Anderson
  • Jennifer Asouzu
  • Laquanda Baker
  • Marilee Birchfield
  • Charles Bloom
  • Shelley Dempsey
  • Morgan Edlin
  • Adrienne Foster
  • Xavery Hopkins
  • Rushondra James
  • Erica Lake
  • Helen Le
  • Bryan Scheffler
  • Sonya Singleton
  • Amanda Therrell, Co-Chair
  • Kay Thomas
  • Kyana Thompson
  • Audra Vaz
  • Dana Woodward, Co-Chair
  • Lara Lomicka Anderson
  • April Barnes
  • Ashley Dantzler
  • Shelley Dempsey, Chair
  • Helen Le
  • Curtis Pernell
  • Amanda Therrell
  • Catherine Wiggins
  • Dana Woodward
  • Brandi Anderson
  • Lara Lomicka Anderson, Co-Chair
  • Ava Baber
  • April Barnes, Co-Chair
  • Shelley Dempsey
  • Pinkney Epps
  • Amber Falluca
  • Maria Hickman
  • Joe Jones
  • Sarah Kelly
  • Helen Le
  • Meg Lipinoga
  • Jared Logan
  • David Mahatha
  • David Martinez
  • Brian McCaster
  • Morgan Ruebusch
  • Amanda Therrell
  • Lara Lomicka Anderson
  • Charlie Ball
  • Althea Counts, Co-Chair
  • Shelley Dempsey
  • Mai-Ling Francis
  • Ed Gatzke
  • Deborah Hazzard
  • Keren Herran
  • Cassandra Jones Havard
  • Helen Le, Co-Chair
  • Dollie Newhouse
  • Spencer Platt
  • Mandi Schlegel
  • Zo Sediqi
  • Michael Stovall
  • Suzanne Sutton
  • Rachel Williams
  • Karen Worthy
  • Lara Lomicka Anderson
  • Jerel Arceneaux
  • Shannon Blake-Lynch
  • Karen Brown
  • Matt Childs
  • Althea Counts
  • Shelley Dempsey
  • Lauren Epps, Co-Chair
  • Tharangi Fernando
  • Maryah Fram
  • Amanda Heinsman
  • Alison Leach Hughes
  • Helen Le
  • Elise Lewis
  • Sam McMillion
  • Cierra Pinckney
  • Helen Powers
  • Amanda Therrell, Co-Chair
  • Julian Williams
  • Paulia Williams

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